What is Bastille Day?

A French Holiday with Global Significance

Bastille Day, known in France as La Fête Nationale, is celebrated on July 14th each year to mark the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 — a turning point in the French Revolution. It symbolizes liberty, democracy, and the spirit of resistance.

A Brief History

On July 14, 1789, Parisian revolutionaries stormed the Bastille — a fortress-prison seen as a symbol of royal tyranny. The event triggered the revolution that reshaped France and inspired democratic movements around the world. A year later, France held the Fête de la Fédération to commemorate national unity, and since then, Bastille Day has become an annual public holiday in France.

How Bastille Day Is Celebrated in France

• Military Parades: Most notably along the Champs-Élysées in Paris

• Fireworks Displays: Lighting up cities and villages across France

• Public Dances (Bals des pompiers): Traditional fire station parties

• French Cuisine & Wine: An essential part of the festivities

• National Pride: Flags, music, and celebration of liberty

Bastille Day in Australia

Though it's not a public holiday here, Australians celebrate Bastille Day with style, especially in cities with strong French communities and cultural ties.

French Festivals & Events in Australia

Across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, locals embrace French culture each July with:

• Bastille Day Markets

• French Film Screenings

• Wine & Cheese Tastings

• Live Music and Street Performers

• French Food Pop-Ups & Long Lunches

Celebrating at Home or Work

Many Australians mark the day with:

• Hosting French-themed parties or dinners

• Bringing croissants, macarons, and wine into the office

• Dressing in blue, white, and red

• Exploring French music, film, and fashion

Why It Resonates in Australia

Bastille Day appeals to Australians not just for its food and flair — but because it celebrates values we share:

• Freedom

• Democracy

• Unity in Diversity

Australia's multicultural society warmly embraces celebrations like Bastille Day, which invite everyone to experience the richness of another culture.

Explore Bastille Day Events in Your City

From pop-up creperies to French jazz nights, discover what's happening near you this July 14 on in our City Guides (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth) — or find tips for hosting your own fête!